Smithfield Foods announces the closure of their Vernon, CA facility in early 2023. The closure comes as a response to the rising cost of operating a business in California.
The company reached an agreement this week with the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and the International Union of Operating Engineers as part of its plan to close the Vernon facility.
Smithfield plans to decrease their sow herd in Utah and is exploring options to exit their Arizona and California farms. The company only harvests Smithfield-owned hogs in Vernon.
Californians will continue to have access to Smithfield products including Farmer John and other brands produced in other facilities in the Midwest.
Smithfield provides more than 40,000 American jobs at 46 facilities and nearly 500 company-owned farms.
The company is offering transition assistance to employees including opportunities to relocate to their other facilities and transition assistance.
“We are grateful to our team members in the Western region for their dedication and invaluable contributions to our mission. We are committed to providing financial and other transition assistance to employees impacted by this difficult decision,” said Smithfield Chief Operating Officer Brady Stewart.
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